Articles

A HISTORY MISUNDERSTOOD

The relationship between the Christian Church and Alcoholics Anonymous has historically been a close one. Churches of all denominations across the United States continue to regularly host Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on their properties. Churches have no doubt opened their doors to this group, or fellowship, as it calls itself, as an outreach of Christian love to the community. However, churches have also been frustrated by their inability to construct a theology within which to understand addictions and therefore to help addicted persons from a biblical and Christocentric perspective. Many a pastor and Christian counselor has become deeply discouraged attempting to help addicted persons through prayer, encouragement, and counseling. Add to this the uncertainty about the nature of addictions. Are they medical problems? Psychological problems? Sociological problems? Theological problems? Which among the popular models should be used in thinking about addictions, the moral model, the disease model, the scientific model? Many pastors have been all too willing to allow Alcoholics Anonymous to “minister” to their parishioners with addiction problems due to the absence of an acceptable solution of their own.

This paper will begin by examining the origin of Alcoholics Anonymous with particular attention paid to its theological roots and relationship to the historic Church. The personalities involved in its beginnings and their Christian beliefs will be surveyed. Next, an analysis of the nature and extent of the Alcoholics Anonymous belief system upon the church and its effects will be considered. What does the relationship between Alcoholics Anonymous and the church look like today, and is there cause for concern? Finally, a comparison of certain historical orthodox Christian doctrines to certain Alcoholics Anonymous doctrines will be undertaken. Are Alcoholics Anonymous dogmas compatible with or antithetical to these Christian doctrines? If not, what are the implications for the church, and what form, if any, should the relationship take between the church and Alcoholics Anonymous?